Like many of you, I've ditched in-person meetings for virtual ones during the coronavirus crisis. In my case, it's just more of what I've been doing all along. For others I've been meeting with, it's all brand new. Here are five mistakes I've seen (and made) during online meetings. Some seem like … [Read more...] about 5 mistakes to avoid during online meetings
Breaking away from the Engineer’s Sine Wave
I joined Toastmasters in 2013 to improve my public speaking. In the past seven years, I've learned a lot about being aware the many aspects of vocal variety. Using skills I've learned at Toastmasters, I make an effort to adjust the pitch, speed, and tone of my voice to keep my audiences engaged. So … [Read more...] about Breaking away from the Engineer’s Sine Wave
A little audience research goes a long way
In 2016, Massachusetts citizens voted to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults aged 21 and older. But not everybody is welcoming the cannabis industry with open arms. Last night, a businessman who wants to open a retail shop and growing operation in my small Central Massachusetts town … [Read more...] about A little audience research goes a long way
Fascinating impeachment wordplay
The 2019 impeachment inquiry has been dominating the US news lately. It's been very dramatic, with closed sessions, bombshell public hearings, recanting of depositions, and hours of riveting testimony. As interesting as the insight to the impeachment process is to me, perhaps more fascinating was … [Read more...] about Fascinating impeachment wordplay
Think your presentation’s awesome? Get some feedback.
At the last minute, I signed up to be a speaker for a recent meeting of my Toastmasters club. To make it easy on myself, I decided to present an excerpt from a tried-and-true presentation I’d given many times before. What I didn’t expect was to receive feedback that would make my speech even … [Read more...] about Think your presentation’s awesome? Get some feedback.
Bad at public speaking? Not a problem!
On September 28, Elon Musk contradicted everything I've ever learned about public speaking. He stuttered, looked nervous, went off on tangents, and forgot where his slides were. But guess what? He gave a great presentation! Mr. Musk spoke at an event that was being held at a SpaceX launch site in … [Read more...] about Bad at public speaking? Not a problem!
It’s the audience, stupid!
Sometimes my philosophy on presentation design can apply to real life situations. At a recent public meeting, I witnessed firsthand the benefits of making a presentation less about one's self and more about the audience. The people’s forum Here in New England, town meetings form the foundation … [Read more...] about It’s the audience, stupid!
How to quiet an audience so you can start talking
You're about to speak to a large group of people and you're excited! You take the stage, get behind the mic, and wait for a hush to settle over the crowd. But what if they keep on talking and don't notice you're about to begin your speech? Here are three ways you can get people to stop … [Read more...] about How to quiet an audience so you can start talking